17 kid-friendly social skills games to use with kids in the classroom to teach communication, friendship, listening, emotions, and kindness!

Social skills games are great for teaching kids important social skills. Games that teach listening, friendship, and even making eye contact are effective options. When you use games to teach social skills, you make learning them a more enjoyable experience.

Social Skills Games for the Kid-Friendly Classroom

Looking for social skills games to play with your class? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some kid-friendly social skills games to teach listening, emotions, kindness, and more.

Social Skills Games for Listening Intently

Listening is a vital social skill that everyone needs to learn. It is an important skill not only for the social benefits but also for educational reasons. Good listeners tend to make friends more easily. It’s because they pay attention and their friends know they are valued. Additionally, listening in the classroom helps students learn concepts with less effort.

1. The Telephone Game – You can play this game with small or large groups of kids, making it perfect for the classroom. To play, have kids line up or make a circle. Whisper a sentence to the first person, and have them whisper that exact sentence to the next person in line. This will continue until the sentence gets to the last person. That person will then announce what they heard to the entire group. Kids are always amazed at how the sentence changes! Use this as a lesson to teach kids that listening is important so that the meaning of what they need to know is not lost.

2. Listening Mats – Another great way to practice is to have kids work on listening by following instructions. Listening Mats provide this type of practice in a practical way for the classroom. Kids follow directions as they color and draw on a scene. Kids will have a blast showing off their creative sides, all while practicing an important social skill! Check out the bundle of Listening Mats that includes activities for each month of the school year! Click HERE to download a FREE sample!

3. Don’t Interrupt Card Game – For the social skills card game, kids play in pairs and take turns reading and answering a question. The other person must pay attention, not interrupt, and respond with a related question after. This game gets kids really practicing good conversation skills! Find this game and more for building friendship skills HERE.

Social Skills Games that Teach Emotions

Kids need to be aware of their emotions and what they mean. Teach them how to recognize emotions – Describe them, what they look like, and why they might feel a certain way. These social skills games provide alternative ways to teach emotions.

1. Emotional Bingo – Kids can begin to recognize emotions and what they mean by playing Emotional Bingo. This social skills game is played exactly like traditional Bingo, with the only difference being that emotions are displayed on the Bingo cards instead of numbers.

2. Emotions Scavenger Hunt – Make a list of emotions that you want kids to spot. Type them as a checklist and print out. Kids then go on an emotions scavenger hunt throughout the school day. They check off the different emotions they see during that time, including the name of the person with that emotion.

3. Emotion Dominoes – This domino game is terrific for teaching emotions. On each domino, you will find an illustration of an emotion. They need to be matched to the real-life photo on a different domino. This social skills game will help kids recognize facial expressions for different emotions.

4. Emoji-tions Card Game – This fun card game teaches kids to identify the emotions represented by different emojis. Kids take turns asking for specific emoji cards in order to make matches. It’s a modern Go Fish game! Find it as part of the Emotions unit for K-2.

5. Express Yourself Board Game – This board game is also included in the Emotions unit for K-2. Kids travel around the board while answering questions and acting out scenarios about emotions.

Social Skills Games for Practicing Eye Contact

Eye contact is an important social skill that many kids aren’t naturally good at. Kids should learn that during a conversation, whatever they’re looking at is perceived to be important. If they’re talking to a friend, but staring at their phone, that friend will think that they’re not paying attention to them. Because eye contact is so important during social interactions, you can use these games to help kids practice.

1. Eye Pointing Game – You’ll want to start playing this social skills game one-on-one or in small groups. To introduce the game, start by selecting two objects to place on the table. Use your eyes to look at one of the objects and see if someone can guess which object your eyes are “pointing” to. Discuss with kids how our eyes communicate information. As kids become familiar with this game, expand it by looking at a more detailed space.

2. Look in My Eyes Train Engineer – This social skills game is available to download on an iOS device. With Look in My Eyes Train Engineer, kids practice making eye contact as they play the game. They won’t even know that they’re learning an important social skill as they explore different train sections.

Teach Good Communication with these Social Skills Games

There are two aspects of communication that kids need to learn: verbal and non-verbal. Verbal communication has to do with the words that you say. Whereas non-verbal communication is how you communicate with your body and your facial expressions. These two social skills games will help kids develop both verbal and non-verbal communication. Precisely, by working in teams to achieve a goal.

1. Charades – Communication isn’t just about the words you say. Your body plays a major role in how you communicate. Help kids develop non-verbal communication skills by playing a few rounds of charades. During this game, one person must act out a phrase, using only their body to communicate. They are not allowed to speak. The others on their team must try to guess what that phrase is.

2. Blindfold Obstacle Course – This game is perfect for small groups of kids. Simply set up an obstacle course. One person will be blindfolded while the rest of the group works together to communicate how to get through the obstacle course.

Social Skills Games for Friendship

Teaching friendship skills through social skills games is helpful. With the help of social skills games, they can develop the skills necessary to look at friendships and decide if each one is a positive friendship to have.

1. Friendship Similarities – To play this game, kids take turns announcing a fact about themselves. When someone announces a similar fact, kids in the room jump up and say “Me, too!” if that fact applies to them. They should begin to notice how others are similar to them, helping them connect and develop deeper friendships with those around them.

2. Friendship Jeopardy – This is an online game that kids will love to play. To play Friendship Jeopardy, kids from each team select a category to answer, including such topics as relationships, “fakeships,” and manners.

3. Friendship Bingo – Spend some time teaching kids the qualities one looks for in a friend. Define those terms together and then play Friendship Bingo to practice. Descriptions of friendship qualities are read aloud and then those words are found and covered on the Bingo board. It’s Bingo with a social skills twist! Find this as part of the Relationship unit for 3-5.

Social Skills Games that Encourage Kindness

Kindness is a social skill that all people (not just kids) should learn. When you teach kindness to kids and embody this trait yourself, you’re guiding them to achieve their greatest potential. When teaching kids to be kind, you’ll want to help them understand what being kind actually is. Kindness games can help you achieve this goal!

1. Kindness Cards – This social skills game is easy to get started! Simply brainstorm with your students ways to be kind or use the kindness task cards. Inspire ideas such as smiling at someone, giving a hug, or sitting with someone new at lunch. Kids play this game by selecting a task card or idea from the list and completing the task. Encourage them to complete as many tasks as possible each day. Find the Kindness task cards as part of the Kindness unit for K-2 or make your own set with kids.

2. Acts of Kindness Challenge – Read this post that describes how to encourage children to show kindness to each other by using a challenge as a motivator. Kids love a challenge, and it will be almost like a fun game to play over an extended period of time! You can even use the printable calendar included to you keep track.

Build Social Skills with these Resources

Teach children in K-2 the most important lessons in life when they need it the most with units and activities on emotions, self-regulation, growth mindset, empathy, and social awareness, friendship, kindness, respect, and responsibility. Click here to learn more!

Want to build a peaceful classroom filled with respectful, confident, and kind kids that can build relationships and communicate effectively? Then this SEL curriculum for 3-5 is for YOU! Click here to learn more!

16 important social-emotional learning games are great for the classroom or home use. Teach positive social interactions, encourage relationship skills, and practice effective communication.

Social-emotional learning games are a great way to teach kids about their emotions and relationships. When you’re promoting emotional growth and awareness, it’s important to do so in a way that kids will connect with and enjoy. Kids need a safe place to discuss emotions and experiences. This will help them develop into well-rounded individuals with healthy mental awareness.

16 Social-Emotional Learning Games for Kids

There are different types of social-emotional learning games that you can use in your classroom or home. Depending on your needs, you can easily transform a game you already own into a social-emotional one. In addition, you can find plenty of game ideas online, or purchase games that are specifically designed to develop students’ social-emotional mindset.

Hands-On Social-Emotional Learning Games

When teaching social-emotional awareness, it’s important to do so in a way that kids understand and remember. Using hands-on games is perfect for this. Not only are hands-on games engaging and fun, but they also help tactile learners understand what they’re supposed to be learning. Here are some social-emotional learning games that are hands-on and fun for kids.

1. Don’t Break the Ice – A great way to get kids talking about their emotions is to use a game that they’re already familiar with. It’s easy to transform the game Don’t Break the Ice into a social-emotional learning game! Simply write different prompts on the different ice blocks. You can use a dry erase marker so that you can change the prompts easily. These can be anything, from questions about bullying to how different situations make them feel.

2. Emotions Jenga – In order to play this hands-on game, you simply need a Jenga set and a marker. On random blocks, write different emotions that you want your students to learn about. This should include such emotions as anger, happiness, worry, bored, jealous and more. A student pulls an emotion Jenga block out. Then, they tell their partner what that emotion means and what makes them feel it. For example, if they pulled the anger block, they would have to describe what anger means and express what makes them angry.

3. Empathy Games – Self-awareness is an important part of social-emotional growth. Using this self-awareness and empathy curriculum, you’ll get the chance to play hands-on social-emotional learning games with kids. This includes games such as the Empathy Game and ‘What Should I Do?’ board game. The games are interactive and hands-on so that your students stay engaged while they learn.

Whole Group Social-Emotional Games

You can also play social-emotional games as a group! This helps promote a sense of community and friendship amongst kids as they work together to start understanding emotions and building relationships. If you’re ready for some social-emotional fun, here are a few classic games that are perfect for the whole group.

1. Musical Chairs – Musical chairs is a whole group game that kids know and love! You can make this into a social-emotional learning game. Simply write different social-emotional topics on a piece of paper. Each round, tape one of the prompts on a random chair. Then, when the music turns off and students find their chairs, there is a student sitting at a social-emotional seat. You can then discuss that prompt or ask a question before moving on to the next round.

2. Kindness Scavenger Hunt – If you’ve ever organized a scavenger hunt, you know how much fun they can be! With this social-emotional scavenger hunt, you’re going to send groups of kids to look for acts of kindness. This game is perfect for recess since there will be kids from other classes outside. When putting together your scavenger hunt, include simple acts of kindness, or use the Kindness Calendar found HERE. For example, it could be something as simple as helping a friend zip a coat or pushing a younger child on a swing. See how many kindness things your students can find!

3. Who Am I? – It’s easy to play this fun classroom game with a social-emotional spin to it. Simply print different emoji icons on a piece of paper. If you plan to play this game frequently, you can laminate it to protect it. Then, tape a random emoji to each student’s back. Then, they race the clock in order to try to guess which emoji is stuck to their backs! They can ask other students yes or no questions in their quest to discover which emotion they are.

Social-Emotional Games You Can Purchase

Amazon is a great resource when it comes to buying social-emotional learning games. Below you will find high-quality SEL games that kids will enjoy!

1. Gifted Learning Flash Cards (Preschool to Kindergarten) – In order to teach younger kids social-emotional learning skills through games, they’ll first need to learn how to identify different emotions and identify what they look like. Thankfully, there’s a learning game for that! This social-emotional learning game helps kids learn how to identify different emotions. It helps them learn what they might look like in real life, as well as how to manage them.

2. Feelmo Speaking Cards (Age 4+) – Understanding and expressing emotions can be difficult for younger kids. These cards make it easy since kids can use the cards to describe their feelings. Kids select an emotion card and then discuss it, helping them understand why they feel an emotion and what it means.

3. My Feelings Game (Age 4+) – This social-emotional game comes complete with 280 different emotional scenarios to work through. This includes different ways to help regulate emotions, helping to give students the tools needed to deal with difficult situations, as well as movement cards that keep kids interested. Overall, this is a fun and interactive way to encourage social-emotional growth through learning games.

4. Silly Street (Age 4+) – Here’s a fun and silly game that will help kids develop their social skills, confidence, adaptability and more. This game help kids understand their emotions in different social scenarios. It does it in a silly way so that kids have FUN learning these important character skills.

5. 52 Essential Conversations (Age 5+) – This social-emotional learning game uses conversation starters to get kids thinking about social situations. It will help kids with social awareness, relationships, mindfulness, and self-confidence. By using these conversation starters, you’re helping kids develop into well-rounded adults with a healthy mindset.

6. Mad Dragon: An Anger Control Card Game (Ages 6-12) – Anger is an emotion that we’ve all experienced. Anger isn’t necessarily bad, but how we respond to it can be. With this social-emotional learning game, kids age 6-12 will learn how to control their anger. They can’t always control what makes them mad, but they control how they react.

7. Didax Social Skills Board Games (Grades 1-5) – If you teach or have elementary age kids, then you’ll appreciate this game. This social-emotional game focuses on important social skills that kids need to learn. This includes manners, what would you do scenarios, what makes a good friend, and more. It includes 6 engaging board games that kids will love!

8. Stop the Drama Thumball (Elementary – Teens) – With this interactive game, kids will have a blast discussing different social-emotional scenarios. Take turns tossing the ball to one another. The person who catches the ball looks to the question that their thumb lands on. Then, he/she must respond to that question. This game is fantastic because you can play it with larger groups endlessly. Even if another child gets a repeat question, they’ll still be able to answer it in their own unique way.

9. Mixed Emotions (Age 7+) – This social-emotional learning game is effective in the classroom setting! It comes complete with enough emotions cards for multiple players. This makes it perfect to do with large groups of students.

10. Mindfulness Matters (Ages 9-18) – As kids grow older, it’s time to start using social-emotional learning games that are age and developmentally appropriate. Mindfulness Matters is a card game that’s geared towards older students, from age 9-18. This card game uses different questions and scenarios to help kids express themselves about stress, anxiety, anger and more. For example, on one card, it states that mindfulness is the opposite of doing something carelessly. It then asks the player to describe a time they zoned out, but wished they would have been paying attention.

Use social-emotional learning games to help your students develop their awareness and develop a healthy mindset. When encouraging social-emotional growth through games, make sure you do so in a safe and comfortable environment.

Social Emotional Learning Resources

The following social-emotional learning resources are filled with games that build important skills, as well as lesson plans, activities, discussion starters, and so much more.

Teach children in K-2 the most important lessons in life when they need it the most with units and activities on emotions, self-regulation, growth mindset, empathy, and social awareness, friendship, kindness, respect, and responsibility. Click here to learn more!

Want to build a peaceful classroom filled with respectful, confident, and kind kids that can build relationships and communicate effectively? Then this SEL curriculum is for YOU! Click here to learn more!

7 top quality math websites for kids that are packed with free online games and activities, as well as resources to help kids conquer math skills and facts!

There are so many math websites for kids, it’s hard to tell which sites are high-quality ones that will help kids learn. This list of math websites for kids will help you find free online games for kids to play, as well as resources to help you teach them important skills!

Math Websites for Kids: 7 Quality Experiences

When looking for math websites and resources to use with kids, it is important that they offer something high-quality and equally as effective as your own teaching. Here you will find just that!

The included websites have free games for students to play, giving them an interactive and hands-on approach to practicing math skills they need to learn. You’ll also find websites that have fantastic teacher resources so that you can better plan and carry out your math lessons.

Math Website for Kids: Fun Brain Math Zone

The Math Zone on Fun Brain is filled with fantastic games kids will love. They can play Connect the Dots in order to practice counting and skip counting. The game Math Basketball helps kids with addition and subtraction. There is also MathCar Race for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. No matter what math skill kids need to practice, there’s a math game that can help on Fun Brain.

Top Reasons to Use Fun Brain

It’s FUN!!!

Practice basic and advanced math skills

Find games by grade

Math Website for Kids: Khan Academy

Students, teachers, and parents can all make use of this free math website. After creating an account with Khan Academy, you’ll have access to all of their free math resources. You can browse by math topic or you can filter by grade. There are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, no matter what age!

Top Reasons to Use Khan Academy

Filter by grade or by topic

Kids love it

Practice math skills for all grade levels

Math Website for Kids: Math Game Time

There are so many math games to play on Math Game Time. You can browse by their grade level, or choose from any number of games on the popular list. From the games Kitten Match Addition to Meteor Multiplication, your students will love exploring this math website.

Top Reasons to Use Math Game Time

Access to math videos, worksheets, and games

Search by grade or subject

Search by popularity

Math Website for Kids: Math Goodies

No matter what math skill needs practice, Math Goodies has something that can help. There are games and puzzles that kids can play for some math fun. Find worksheets filtered by grade, making it easy to find what you need. Can’t find what you need? You can generate your very own worksheet, customized to a child’s needs and abilities.

Top Reasons to Use Math Goodies

Lessons for teachers

Games and worksheets for students

Fun and interactive

Math Website for Kids: Math Playground

With a name like Math Playground, you know kids will have a blast on this math website! There are many free games to play on this website, including Rabbit Samurai, Monster Mischief, and more! You can sort by topics, such as addition, subtraction, or fractions. You can also search games by grade level, giving kids a great selection of age-appropriate games to play.

Top Reasons to Use Math Playground

Practice both basic and advanced math skills

Interactive games for learning

Browse by grade

Math Website for Kids: Prodigy

Teachers will love what is offered on the math website, Prodigy, where they can get a free subscription. Students can use it to play math games designed to increase their math skills, while teachers can use it to monitor student progress. Kids work at their own pace so that they’re not struggling to keep up with their peers.

No matter what math skill your students are learning, there’s a fun way for them to practice. The more they practice, the closer they’ll get to mastery on that skill. These math websites for kids have everything you need for success, including customizable printables, interactive games, and teacher resources.

A list of 16 poetry books for kids, along with teacher resource books and information about how to teach poetry in the classroom and build a love of poetry in children.

Finding the right poetry books are necessary when teaching kids about poetry. Books help develop their own love of poetry by giving them a chance to discover their passions. As a result, this will help them on their own journey to becoming a poet in your classroom.

Sharing Poetry Books with Kids

First, you’ll want to start by sharing examples of popular poems. Reading poems aloud is a great way to hook them! There are so many fun poetry books available for children, which can inspire kids and motivate them to their own poetry writing.

If you’re looking to add titles to your library, here are some poetry books that you should definitely have. Share a few books from the list below so kids can develop a love of poetry early on.

If you want to lead kids into writing their own poems, use the recommended teaching resources that will teach kids about the different types of poems and how to write them.

Recommended Poetry Books for Kids

1. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – This poetry book is a must-have for any classroom or home. Shel Silverstein is a beloved author who writes poems that delight and inspire kids. Kids will love using this book as inspiration when writing their own poetry.

2. Rainy Day Poems by James McDonald – This poetry book follows Sami and Thomas Lamb on their crazy adventures. Each adventure is written in rhyme and includes a fun illustration that will keep kids engaged and having fun.

3. Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl – If you have kids that love Roald Dahl books, then you’ll definitely need his book of poetry in your classroom or home library. In this book, Roald Dahl writes about classical fairytales but with a twist.

4. A Bad Case of the Giggles by Bruce Lansky – This book of poems will encourage giggle and lots of fun as its read. It includes humorous poems from many different authors, giving kids the chance to see different writing styles.

5. Feel the Beat by Marilyn Singer – This fantastic book of poetry is very unique. The author wrote each poem about a different style of dance, and the rhythm of each poem actually mimics that dance! There are so many dances represented, from salsa to hip-hop and everything in between.

6. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles by Jack Prelutsky – If you’re looking for a fun book of poems to share with kids, then this is the book for you. Jack Prelutsky is a master of rhythm and rhyme, so each of his poems is fun and interesting for kids to read.

7. The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman – The book of poems is a great read for kids. The topics written about in these poems are relevant and interesting to kids, making it a must-have for any bookshelf.

8. Kids Pick the Funniest Poems by Bruce Lansky – Here’s a collection of poetry that’s actually chosen by kids! Each poem will have your students giggling, helping to get them excited about writing their own poems.

9. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – This poem tells a beautiful story of love and friendship. Kids will be drawn to the kindness that’s demonstrated throughout the story.

10. Once, I Laughed My Socks Off by Steve Attewell – Kids will laugh their own socks off with this hilarious book of poems. There are so many different poems in this book, from midnight snacks to Melvin the naughty teddy bear.

Teacher Resources: Poetry Books for Kids’ Learning

In addition to having poetry books for your students to read, you’ll also need to have teaching resources that will help you teach them about poetry. These resources should include lessons, activities, and examples of poems so that your students can understand how to write their own poems. Here is a list of teaching resources that will help.

2. Quick Poetry Activities (Grades 2-5) – This poetry book will teach kids how to write different poetry forms. This includes portrait poems, painting poems, sense poems and more!

3. A Poem for Every Day (Grades 3-5) – You can use this poetry book as a read aloud, giving kids the chance to hear a poem each day. You’ll also find teaching tips and activities that will help to enhance a child’s learning.

4. Poetry Projects with Pizzazz (Grades 3-6) – Writing poetry is fun when you use these poetry projects in your classroom or home. So, this resource helps kids discover unique ways to write poems, such as making a puzzle poem or pop-up poem. You’ll love watching a child’s creative side come out!

5. Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out (Grades 5-7) – You’ll be able to use this teaching resource to help kids understand more about poetry, including tips and tricks for their own writing. Also, you’ll find interviews with poets, and examples of writing for inspiration.

6. How to Write Poetry (All Ages) – If you’re ready to teach kids how to write poetry, you can use this teaching resource. With it, you’ll be able to help kids with their creative writing as they learn how to write their very own poetry.

Poetry Resources for the Classroom

Poetry Mega Bundle with 3 Complete Resources

Find essential resources for the K-3 classroom with the Poetry Mega Bundle. It includes 3 complete resources to will encourage a love of poetry in your classroom!

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8 poetry websites for kids that help you teach poetry. Use them to help kids learn how to write poems, the difference between poetry styles, and more.

If you want to teach your students about poetry, there are many poetry websites for kids that can help you do this well. Use these resources to help students learn how to write poems, the difference between poetry styles, and much more. Poetry is a wonderful way for students to express themselves and these poetry websites will serve as valuable resources for any classroom.

8 Poetry Websites for Kids: Resources for Teaching Young Poets

When teaching students about poetry, use different poetry websites for kids to help them practice what they’re learning. There are many resources available, both for you as a teacher, as well as your students. In order to help you get started, here is a list of some helpful poetry websites for kids.

Poetry Website for Kids #1 – Proud to be Primary

Teaching poetry is all about having the right resources for yourself and for your students. Here at Proud to be Primary, you’ll find plenty of resources that will make it easy to teach your students what they need to know about poetry. In addition, you’ll find plenty of articles that will help you understand how to teach poetry, as well as lessons and activities that making learning poetry fun! Start by checking out our Ultimate Guide to Teaching Poetry, filled with helpful resources you can access right away!

Nursery Rhymes and Activities – Nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce poetry to younger students. With this nursery rhymes resource, kids will get to learn about poetry using popular nursery rhymes that they already know!

Poem of the Week – Learning and practicing a poem each week is a great way to routinely practice important reading and writing skills. With the Poem of the Week resource, you’ll get everything you need to teach a new poem each week, including a variety of printable activities to build fluency.

Poetry Writing Unit – Teach students various styles of poetry writing to build their exposure. Looking for a variety of poetry styles to teach your students? You’ll find a ton to get you started within this poetry writing unit. It includes lessons for shape poems, limericks, haikus and more.

Poetry Mats – Teach a poem of the week, for each week of the year with this poetry mats bundle! Each poem is fun for kids to read, learn, practice writing, and share with others. There are plenty of versatile and differentiated activities to use all year long.

Poetry Website for Kids #2 – Read, Write, Think

This writing website is an amazing resource you can use to help teach your students about poetry. When you use Read, Write, Think, you’ll find interactive lessons for kids of all ages, all of which work to help them understand more about poetry and how to write a poem.

Student interactive – These lessons are student interactive, which means that they will keep your students engaged and having fun.

Lessons for all ages – These lessons range in age, from Kindergarten all the way through high school. You’ll be able to find an appropriate lesson for your students, no matter what grade you teach.

Variety of poetry – There are also a variety of poetry styles taught on this website. You’ll find lessons for shape poems, haikus, and even riddles!

Poetry Website for Kids #3 – Poets.org

This poetry website is through the Academy of American Poets, making it a fantastic resource for teachers. On Poets.org, you’ll find a ton of lesson plans that will help you teach poetry to your students.

Sortable by level – There are lesson plans for all levels, from elementary school up to high school. When looking for a lesson plan, you can sort it by level, allowing you to find age-appropriate lessons for your class.

Lessons+ – There are more than just lessons on this poetry website. You’ll find lessons, units, activities and more!

Poetry Website for Kids #4 – Poetry 4 Kids

Kenn Nesbitt, a children’s author, has created a poetry website that is sure to get kids excited about learning! Poetry 4 Kids includes funny poems for kids to read, as well as games, lessons, and activities that will help students learn how to write their own poetry.

Fun and interactive – Since he’s a children’s author, Kenn Nesbitt knows what kids like. His poetry website is designed to get kids excited, including fun and interactive lessons and activities.

Rhyming dictionary – In addition to teaching kids about poems, this website also includes writing resources that are sure to help students, including a rhyming dictionary. Using this dictionary, students can find rhyming words to use in their poems.

Poetry Website for Kids #5 – Poetry Foundation

On the Poetry Foundation, you’ll find a ton of poetry resources. It includes everything, from authors reading their poems for students to listen to, as well as educational articles that will help you as a teacher. The videos and poems on this website are sure to inspire your students as they embark on their individual poetry journey.

Videos for students to watch – This website includes videos for students to watch and learn from. Some videos are simply a read-aloud of a poem, which can help students learn the cadence and rhythm of poems. Videos also include instructional lessons, helping kids with their writing.

Poetry Website for Kids #6 – Scholastic Writing with Writers

Scholastic has some fun poetry resources that teachers of all grades can use. When you go to the poetry page on Writing with Writers, you’ll find different poets highlighted. You can use these resources to teach different aspects of writing poems, including using descriptive words, as well as rhyme and rhythm.

Lessons for elementary students – These lessons are fantastic for elementary students, from grades 1 through 5.

Features successful poets – Successful poets, such as Jack Prelutsky and Jean Marzollo, are featured on this website. Not only do these poets know what they’re talking about, but they also serve as writing figures that aspiring poets can look up to.

Poetry Website for Kids #7 – Young Poets

Once your students have learned about writing poems, it’s time to challenge them to take their poetry to the next level. On the website Young Poets, kids can publish their work, as well as read what other young poets their age are writing.

Searchable poems by age – You can search this website for poems based on the age of the writer. This will help you show your students what other kids their age write about, helping to inspire your students.

Publish student poems – Once your students have completed a poem, you can help them get it published on this website. This will encourage students to do their best since their work will be viewable by others. It will also help kids gain confidence in their ability and pride in their hard work.

Poetry Website for Kids #8 – Young Writers Project

There are weekly writing challenges listed on Young Writers Project, making it a great resource for students to challenge their writing ability. You can work on these challenges as a whole class or have your advanced students complete these challenges on their own.

Challenging for students – This poetry website will keep your students learning and growing, even after they learn the basics of poetry. They’ll get new challenges each week, giving them something to work towards and achieve.

Try some of the poetry websites for kids above if you want to teach your students about poetry. It’s such a joy to experience poetry in the classroom, and these sites are great places to move forward.

5 valuable drawing websites for kids that include printables, tutorials, videos, and popular themes and topics to help encourage young artists!

5 Drawing Websites for Kids that Encourage Young Artists

Learning how to draw is an important skill that kids of all ages can accomplish. Drawing helps young kids develop their motor skills, as well as learn how to recognize different shapes. As kids get older, drawing gives them a creative outlet to display their interests and emotions in a safe way. If you want to incorporate drawing in your classroom or home, there are many drawing websites that can help you get started.

Drawing Websites for Kids – Preschool – 2nd Grade

Teaching drawing to younger kids involves a lot of the basics. Kids at this age are still developing their motor skills, so incorporating drawing websites and resources that promote the fine motor skills are important. A good rule of thumb is to look for drawing tutorials that incorporate basic shapes in the instructions. Not only does this help kids see that objects are made from shapes, but it also helps them learn how to identify these shapes, an important math skill.

Instructions should be broken down step by step, allowing kids to easily follow along. Here are some drawing websites for kids that do just that, making them perfect for primary students, from preschool through 2nd grade.

Directed Drawings at Proud to be Primary

There is a huge collection of drawing resources available for preschool to 2nd-grade here at Proud to be Primary. Not only does this website include teacher resources on how to teach children to draw, but you can also find many drawing tutorials that students can follow along too. These drawing tutorials cover a variety of topics, such as how to draw a school bus, holiday-themed drawings, and even drawings for each letter of the alphabet!

Alphabet Directed Drawing – This drawing resource includes directed drawing tutorials for each letter of the alphabet, making it a great resource for younger students. Not only will your students learn the alphabet, but they’ll also have fun learning to draw too!

School Bus Drawing – This drawing tutorial helps you teach students to draw a school bus in 6 easy steps! Your students will be amazed at their drawing skills with this fun lesson.

Frankenstein Drawing – Have some freaky Frankenstein drawing fun with your students this year! This directed drawing tutorial is perfect for Halloween, helping your students learn how to draw their very own Frankenstein. Once the lesson is done, you can use these awesome drawings to decorate the classroom!

Spring Butterfly Directed Drawing – A little drawing lesson is a perfect way to celebrate spring! This seasonal drawing tutorial is sure to get kids excited about drawing. Students will be able to personalize their drawings by choosing which colors will adorn their beautiful butterfly wings.

Blue Tadpole Studio

Another excellent primary drawing website is Blue Tadpole Studio. There are many “how to draw” PDFs that can be downloaded and printed so that your students can practice their drawing skills. These drawing resources will be perfect for primary students ready to take the next step. These step-by-step instructions help students create both simple and more elaborate drawings. You can find instructions for different animals, as well as some favorite movie characters!

Features:

Drawings are kid-friendly

Includes topics that interest younger students

Has step-by-step instructions

Printable so you can use it as an independent center activity

Drawing Websites for Kids – 3rd – 5th Grade

As students move from the primary grades to upper elementary, their drawing skills have developed and they can accomplish more complicated works of art. Drawing websites for kids this age should be more detailed, including more steps for students to follow along. You’ll also notice that kids at this age are interested in different topics than they were previously. Kids will start to develop a certain style they like to use, from cartoon drawings to Anime. When teaching drawing to 3rd-5th graders, be sure to give them a variety of topics to draw so that they can discover for themselves what their passion is!

Art Hub for Kids

As kids develop their skills, it’s time to start challenging them. Art Hub for Kids is a great drawing website for older kids. There are so many drawing tutorials located in the How to Draw archives, from cartoon alligators to an ice cream tower.

What makes this website perfect for using with your students is that each drawing tutorial has a YouTube video so that students can follow along step by step. In the videos, there’s an adult artist that breaks down each step so that his student helper can follow along. You see these two creations come to life side by side. In the classroom, you can pause the video as students work at their own pace, ensuring that everyone can follow along without getting lost.

Features:

Uses interactive videos for students to follow along to

Has a huge archive of tutorials, letting students draw a variety of topics

Great way for older students to build their drawing skills

Drawing Now

Drawing Now is a website that includes many different topics, all of which are perfect for older elementary students. On this drawing website, you can find tutorials on drawing Anime or Manga. You can also find tutorials for characters from popular video games, such as a tutorial for drawing the Fortnight tomato head. Having the right topic to spark interest in your older students will help inspire them to continue drawing.

Features:

Includes topics that interest older children

Shows students how to draw using easy to follow videos

Also includes printables with step-by-step instructions

Kids Front

Kids Front is a drawing website that has step-by-step instructions that students of different ability levels can follow along to. Each step is a different slide on the website, so you can set the pace, allowing students to move as slow or fast as they need to. Because of this, you can have students work independently as they follow along on an iPad or Chromebook. You can also project the site onto a Smart whiteboard, completing the drawing as a whole class.

Features:

Easy step-by-step format to follow

Can be completed independently or as a whole class

Features cartoon drawings, making it great for younger and older students

Drawing is such a wonderful way for students to develop their motor skills, as well as express themselves. By following step-by-step instructions, kids will make their artwork individual, adding personal touches that only their imaginations can come up with. By teaching drawing in your classroom, you’re giving kids the chance to develop a passion for drawing and art.

Growth mindset activities are vital to elementary students’ social-emotional learning. As a teacher, you want your students to develop into well-rounded humans. This means they have both the intellectual and emotional skills needed to succeed in life. In order to make this happen, you’ll need to teach your students to have a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps students achieve difficult skills, helping them persevere despite difficulties.

Growth Mindset Activities for Elementary Students

No matter how old your elementary students are, they need to learn how to develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset will help them achieve their educational goals for the year. It will also help them in life as they work through difficult tasks and ideas. Here are growth mindset activities for elementary students that can help them build a strong outlook.

Growth Mindset Activities for Grades K-2

These activities will teach students in grades kindergarten through 2nd all about how to achieve a growth mindset. From practicing positive mantras to reading children’s books as examples, these activities will help change your students’ thought processes.

Growth Mindset Quote Posters – This activity set comes with coloring sheets your students will love, as well as mantras that will help them achieve a growth mindset. Grab a FREE sample HERE!

Try a student-led classroom –Stacking cups can be a great way to explain how students can support and lead their learning. This activity is perfect for encouraging a growth mindset!

Teach kids about the “power of yet” – To understand the “power of yet,” explain to students that sometimes things that are difficult take time to practice before succeeding. Remind them to have an attitude of “I can’t do this YET” but that one day soon, they WILL! Read the book Giraffes Can’t Dance, and perhaps use a graphic organizer to write down growth mindset take-aways from the book.

Encourage Determination – The book, The Little Linebacker is a great book to teach your students about determination and to never give up!

Highlight thoughts and feelings – Read The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes and take some time after reading for discussion. While talking about the book, ask students what thoughts and feelings the main character, Beatrice, expressed that showed her growth mindset versus her fixed mindset.

Have kids write and draw what they like about themselves – A strong self-esteem helps your students have a growth mindset. By writing/drawing positive affirmations about themselves, it reinforces a growth mindset. Encourage them to place their positive reminders in a place they see them every morning when they wake up.

Growth Mindset Activities for Grades 3-5

Older elementary students also need to learn how to have a growth mindset. As students get older, the skills they learn in school become more difficult. Because a growth mindset helps students persevere in the face of difficulties, these growth mindset activities are perfect for your classroom. These activities include ideas such as learning about the brain and bullet journaling.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset – Sometimes, sorting thoughts and vocabulary is the easiest way to reinforce a concept. First, give your students the vocabulary needed to describe what a fixed mindset is vs. a growth mindset. Then, allow them the opportunity to sort those words either on their own paper. They can do it as a whole class on a visual chart, and/or in small group discussion.

Create thought maps – You’ll be amazed by your students’ responses when you do this activity. In effect, it involves brainstorming what several growth mindset terms mean.

Bullet journaling – Your students can use a bullet journal to cultivate a growth mindset! If you don’t know what a bullet journal is, it’s a free form of journaling. For example, it can include sketching, highlighting, coloring, and of course, bullet points. Kids usually enjoy the freedom to express themselves in journals. Also, they can be a great way to show their understanding.

Talk about famous failures – Use inspiration from famous people who have failed to encourage your students to develop a growth mindset.

Teach about the brain – The brain is a fascinating subject! You don’t have to know much about brain anatomy to teach growth mindset. For example, give a simple explanation about how the brain has different parts that work together to control and organize our thoughts. Children will understand that our brain plays an important role in our thought processes and behaviors.

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting – Encourage kids to strive for what they want to learn and set specific goals to keep them focused and on track. Setting SMART goals means that they are S-Specific, M-Measurable, A-Achievable, R-Relevant, T-Time Bound.

Growth Mindset Activities and Resources for All Ages

Regardless of what grade you teach, there are some activities that students of all ages can do. These growth mindset activities are perfect for students of all ages. Students will show growth with these activities, such as role-playing, using new vocabulary, and reading literature to make connections.

Teach the vocabulary – Talk about what the specific vocabulary is needed to describe what it feels like to have a growth mindset. A few examples of vocabulary words you might address are: perseverance, effort, mistakes, courage, risks, attitude, improve, challenge, and grit.

Use a graphic organizer – You can use a graphic organizer or two to help your students discover more about a growth mindset. Some that might work are: thought/word maps, compare and contrast, Venn diagrams, fact vs. opinion charts, or tree charts.

Inspire them with quotes – Try reading, verbally repeating, discussing, and writing inspirational quotes. It is a fun way for kids to learn about a growth mindset. Here are a few good examples.

Say the word “yet” – Let your students hear you respond with the word “yet” when they say “I can’t ______.” Consequentially, this response can change their whole outlook.

Using literature to guide discussions – There are so many great books that show great growth mindset examples! Pick any of these growth mindset books to give students a story example of having a growth mindset. For example, it will help them learn the concept in a thoughtful way. Then you can use the books to spur discussion.

Role-playing scenarios – Give students task cards with scenarios on them to act out in small groups. This will lead to helpful discussions on topics about growth mindset.

These growth mindset activities will help you teach your students all about a growth mindset. From coloring pages to journal ideas, you can teach your students why a growth mindset is important. Try using these growth mindset activities for elementary students. You’ll get the chance to see your students’ perspective on life change as the year progresses.

Growth Mindset Classroom Resources

The complete growth mindset unit for K-2 includes tons of helpful lessons and activities to help children develop a growth mindset and “I can” attitude. Click here to see everything included.

The complete growth mindset unit for 3-5 includes tons of helpful lessons and activities to help older kids build a growth mindset, learn about the parts of the brain, and how to set SMART goals. Click here to see everything included.

A list of mindfulness activities for kids, including ideas such as yoga, breathing, and focus tools, as well as children’s books.

In the classroom, you can use mindfulness activities for kids to help your students learn more about themselves. Studying mindfulness will lead to emotional wellbeing. For this reason, it is something that is important for students to learn.

Did you know mindfulness is all about being aware of your feelings and thoughts? When teaching students how to be mindful, they will become more aware of how they’re feeling. In addition, they will learn how those emotions affect their actions. Teaching mindfulness to your students will help develop their emotional intelligence. As an educator, developing emotional intelligence is a wonderful goal to have. Here are some mindfulness activities for kids that will help you get started.

Strategies and Mindfulness Activities for Kids

There are many strategies that can help promote mindfulness in your students. From yoga poses that calm the body to breathing strategies that calm the mind, these mindfulness activities for kids are just what you need. Surely, you’ll be teaching mindfulness in your classroom – easy peasy!

Yoga -Yoga is all about meditating and being mindful. There are certain yoga poses that can help promote mindfulness, including the tree pose and the low lunge. When you use yoga in your classroom, you’re encouraging your students to be aware of their bodies and their emotions. For instance, focusing on their breathing as they move through the poses will help your students become more mindful. Add in the fact that yoga gives your students a great reason to move and stretch, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorite mindfulness strategies to use in your classroom.

Breathing – Learning how to control your breathing is an important part of mindfulness. By focusing on their breathing, students are forced to pay attention to their bodies. This helps them become more mindful. A breathing wand can be made with simple household items. You simply use a toilet paper or paper towel roll, markers to decorate, and ribbons. When it’s assembled, students will use the ribbons as a visual for their breathing. In effect, it will give them a tangible way to be mindful with each breath. Teaching different breathing strategies is a helpful tool students can use during their lifetime.

Glitter Jar – In order for kids to be mindful of their emotions, it’s important that they have a chance to calm down when they experience strong emotions. Anger, anxiety, sadness or any other strong emotion can get in the way of mindfulness. One way to help with this is having a glitter jar as a resource. Glitter jars, or calm down jars, are just what they sound like — jars filled with glitter and other items. To make this, the jar is filled with water and glue then filled with glitter. Then, the jar lid is then glued shut so that it can’t leak. When a student needs a moment to relax, they can grab the glitter jar to shake it or swirl it. The movement in the jar helps to calm down the student so they can begin to be more mindful of their emotions.

Journaling – Self-reflection is a great way to know one’s own mind. When you introduce mindfulness journaling to your students, you’re giving them an outlet of self-reflection. They’ll get the chance to think about how they would respond in different situations, what makes them afraid or happy, how they’ve been successful, and more. Because of this, journal prompts promote mindfulness, which leads to higher self-esteem and confidence.

Being Outside in Nature – Affording kids the opportunity to experience the tranquility of nature can be a huge benefit to learning. With this in mind, take them outside! In other words, let them explore and meander. Or, just let them sit and contemplate peacefully. Give them time to think, uninterrupted and unstructured. You’ll see their creativity, confidence, and decision-making skills improve. We structure their days sometimes to the exact minute. Try the occasional breath of fresh air and quietness of going outside.

Books that Teach Mindfulness

Books are wonderful resources, no matter what topic you need to teach. When you read to your students, you are encouraging them to develop a love of reading. Also, you’re introducing important topics and skills in a safe way. Reading books with mindfulness as the theme will give you a safe way to talk about emotions and thoughts. You’ll be able to approach the topic in a way students understand, no matter their age.

Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean – It’s no fun when things go wrong, whether it’s arguing with a friend or getting hurt. When things go wrong, it can be hard for kids to let it go. Moody Cow Meditates helps your students learn how mindfulness and meditation can help make things better. Students will get the chance to explore how mindfulness can help with frustrations that happen throughout the day.

Mind Bubbles by Heather Krantz – Knowing your own mind, your thoughts and emotions, is key to mindfulness. Here’s a book that helps students start to explore how their mind works, including how to be mindful.

Meditation is an Open Sky by Whitney Stewart – One part of teaching mindfulness is helping students recognize when they’re feeling frustrations. This book helps to do that, teaching kids that when it seems like everything is going wrong, they should find a quiet place to sit and meditate. Sometimes you just need a moment to refocus the mind, and then everything else falls into place.

My Mind is My Best Friend by Karina Skye – Mindfulness is all about knowing one’s mind and how it works. In this book, students will learn how their minds work, as well as how to keep their minds relaxed and focused.

A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh – How can four pebbles help students learn about mindfulness? As an illustration, the author walks through meditation techniques using the idea of four pebbles. When you read this book to your students, make it into a lesson. Take a walk around the school and have your students pick out four pebbles of their own. Then, when you read the book, the students can use the pebbles as a manipulative to help remember the lesson.

Imaginations by Carolyn Clarke – This book is the perfect read aloud for teachers wanting to teach mindfulness to students. In particular, this book walks students through relaxation and mindfulness techniques that can refocus the body. From yoga poses to meditation, this author teaches mindfulness in a way that can be used in the classroom.

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein – Every feeling serves a purpose, even the negative ones. In order for students to learn mindfulness, they need to be aware of their feelings. This book helps to teach students how to recognize their feelings and what they mean. Namely, it helps to create a sense of mindfulness that will benefit students in the classroom.

Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey – If you’re looking for mindfulness exercises to do with your students, this is the book for you. This book walks through different exercises and movements that promote mindfulness, making it a must-have for any classroom.

You Are a Lion! by Taeeun Yoo – Yoga is a great way to teach mindfulness to your students. The author of this book uses yoga and imagination to make kids excited about mindfulness! Each illustrated yoga pose uses their imaginations to make it fun.

Breath Friends Forever by Laurie Grossman – These friends learn how mindfulness can help deal with emotions, including anger and sadness. Students will enjoy learning with Nessa and Leo as they discover mindfulness techniques that work.

In conclusion, there are so many mindfulness activities for kids that you can use in your classroom. From books to yoga, these resources will help you teach your students how to be mindful.

Classroom Resources to Help Teach Mindfulness

The complete self-management unit for K-2 includes tons of helpful lessons and activities to help children learn to self-regulate and develop self-control and self-esteem. Click here to see everything included.

The complete self-management unit for 3-5 includes tons of lessons and activities to help older kids continue to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors and develop mindfulness. Find calm down tools, breathing and yoga cards, as well as many discussion topics and activities. Click here to see everything included.

As a teacher, you continually try to keep your students engaged and on-task. This list of classroom management strategies can help you accomplish this goal! Your classroom management strategy will encourage students to follow your classroom rules and behaviors, all while helping to keep them engaged and learning.

The Ultimate List of Classroom Management Strategies:

Tips from Dedicated Teachers

There are so many classroom management strategies out there, you simply need to know where to look. This list of classroom management strategies helps you get started as you develop a strategy that works for you and for your class. I interviewed over 300 teachers to find out their favorite tips and tricks for classroom management, and these are a huge chunk of their ideas. Here are some strategies you can start using right away, from games to prizes. And the best part about them is that they are all POSITIVE methods – perfect for positive classroom management.

List of Classroom Management Strategies for Whole Class or Small Groups

Small groups are great for classroom management. Not only do students enjoy working together in small groups, you also get the chance to observe students more closely. Whether it’s for learning centers or a classroom lesson, this list of classroom management strategies can help you manage your small groups.

Class Meetings – Hosting a class meeting is the perfect way to start the school day, because it is an informal and unintimidating way to get important points across to students. The conversational style of a class meeting lends itself to open communication and supportive, encouraging talks about expected behavior and rewards/consequences.

Team Points – When your classroom is set up in small groups, give each group a chance to earn points when they complete an activity or exhibit a positive behavior. Your small groups will work hard to earn those points!

Table Wars – Similar to Team Points (above), use a little friendly competition to help manage your classroom. When your students are working in small groups, have them compete against one another, earning points for teamwork, staying focused, cleaning up supplies and more.

Team Names – Another great way to manage your small groups is to give your students a way to take ownership of those groups. Let them work together to come up with a team name.

Visual Classroom Management Strategies

When a student can see how they’re doing, they’re very likely to continue the positive behavior or to change the unwanted behavior. Visuals are perfect for this. Whether it’s a clip on a chart, a color-coded card, or a countdown clock for an activity, visuals give students the opportunity to gauge their behavior at a glance and make positive adjustments.

Behavior Clips Chart – A clip chart is a great way for students to know how they’re behaving in class. Students can move their clips up for good behavior or down for negative behavior, with appropriate consequences or rewards based on their position at the end of the day.

Class Dojo – Class Dojo is an online student behavior tracker that is perfect for classroom management. You can display Class Dojo on your smart board, using it to give students rewards and tokens. You can even use it to communicate with parents!

Sticker Charts – Sticker charts also help students visually gauge their behavior. Students will love working towards a prize or goal as they fill up their sticker charts.

Yacker Tracker – When students are working in small groups, you can use a yacker tracker to show students if their voice levels are appropriate. A red light would warn students to quiet down, while a green light will encourage them to continue their behaviors.

Color-coded Cards – Instead of using a clip chart, you can also use color cards to help students track their behavior. Students can flip their cards to a different color based on their behavior.

Behavior Punch Cards – While your students are working independently or in small groups, walk around with a fun-shaped hole punch and punch their behavior cards when you noticed positive behavior.

Gold Tags – When you notice a student following classroom rules or complete an activity, give them a gold tag. Gold tags can be exchanged for a classroom prize at the end of the day or week.

Countdown Clock – If students know when to expect an activity to end, they can make sure they complete all of their learning goals before the time is up. That’s why a countdown clock is perfect for your classroom.

Fill A Jar – Every time an individual student, table group, or the whole class does something positive, you can add an item to your jar. It can be anything, from pom-poms to rocks or marbles.

Verbal Classroom Management Strategies

Your voice is a powerful tool when it comes to classroom management. This list of classroom management strategies focuses on verbal cues and transitions you can use to keep your students organized and ready.

Callbacks –Callbacks are a great way for you to get your students’ attention and give them instructions for the next activity. Callbacks can be anything, from saying “Class, class” and having your students answer back with “yes, yes” to saying “1-2-3, eyes on me.” Find a callback that works for your class and make the most of it!

Shushing Pattern – Words aren’t the only thing you can use to get your students’ attention. You can also make a shushing pattern and have your students shush it back to you.

Classroom Transition Songs – When it’s time to move on to the next thing, get students moving with a transition song. You can come up with your own transition song or chant, or you can easily find a class favorite online.

Line Up Chants – A chant can also be used to get your students lined up for leaving the classroom. Not only will this get students in line faster, eliminating long transition times, it will also keep them focused and on good behavior as you take them into the hallway.

Non-Verbal Classroom Management Strategies

There are also plenty of non-verbal ways for you to keep your classroom under control. This list of classroom management strategies gives you a way to keep your students on task and learning.

Raise Your Hand – If it’s time for your students to transition to another activity or to simply work more quietly, then simply raise your hand and wait for students to quiet down and raise their own hands.

Sign Language – When you’re in the middle of an engaging lesson, the last thing you want to do is stop teaching the whole class to tell a student that they can grab a kleenex. That’s why sign language can be such an important classroom management strategy. Teach students simple signs such as bathroom, tissue, sit, stand, or I have a question. This will eliminate plenty of interruptions!

Routines – Kids thrive on routine, which is why you should make routines a part of your classroom management strategy. Decide what works best for your class and use that throughout the year, remaining consistent with routines and expectations.

Proximity – If you have a student that is not on task, it’s amazing how focused they can become as soon as you walk near them. Use your proximity to help manage students, encouraging them to be well-behaved and on task.

Classroom Management Games

Games are a great way to get students excited to learn! You can use these classroom management games to help encourage the behaviors you want and discourage the behaviors you don’t want.

Porky the Pig Classroom Blurters – When you have a student that blurts, it’s time to play the Porky the Pig game! Have a pig mounted on your whiteboard, along with a collection of coins attached to magnets. When a student blurts, they have to put a coin in Porky’s mouth. At the end of the week, if Porky has collected too many coins, the class does not earn a reward. If they meat their goal, then the whole class can enjoy something fun.

Candy Land Behavior Game – Mount a candy land board for your class to see. Each student gets 5 moves a day, but can earn extra moves forward or backward based on behavior.

Kindness Chain – Challenge your class to build a kindness chain. Each time your students are kind or follow classroom expectations, they can fill out a paper link and add it to the chain. Once you reach a certain number of links or length, the whole class can earn a reward!

Brownie Points – Give your students a chance to earn brownie points! These points can be displayed on a baking sheet at the front of the room so that they can see how close they are to earning their classroom prize. The reward could be a brownie dessert!

Classroom Puzzle – Mount magnets to the back of each puzzle piece and then give your students a chance to earn those puzzle pieces throughout the day. At the end of the day or week, students can put the puzzle together on the dry erase board, displaying a beautiful picture that represents their classroom behavior.

Brain Breaks for Classroom Management

When students have been working hard on an intense lesson, a brain break can work wonders for your classroom management. Give students a constructive way to work out their energy, such as playing a moving game or fidgeting with a stress ball.

Go Noodle –Go Noodle is an online resource that is a must-have for any classroom. Simply play a fun video and watch as students dance, jiggle and wiggle their energy out. They’ll be more prepared to learn after taking a Go Noodle Break

Fidget Toys – Some students need to fidget to help focus. Give students what they need by providing fidget toys, stress balls, or even notebooks to help keep them focused.

Calm Down Zone – Students also need a chance to calm down when they’re upset or hyper. Create a safe zone for students to calm down, such as a corner of the room with a cozy chair. During a break, students can use this area to calm down and get focused until the next activity. Make a calm down kit with a few special items that a child can use when needed.

Brain Break Activities – Have a set of brain break cards ready with simple activities that kids can do easily and quickly when they need a break. Great for the whole class to get up and moving!

Classroom Economy – Print some fake dollar bills and let students earn money to buy prizes. Not only is this a great classroom management skill, it also gives your students practice counting money, as well as spending it.

Raffles – You can also use raffle tickets for your classroom management strategy. Hand out tickets to students following directions and draw a few names at the end of the week. Whoever wins the raffle, will get a special prize.

Holiday-Themed Prizes – Students can be extra energetic before a holiday. Use that to your advantage and have a holiday-themed prize box. This can be anything, from a Boo Bucket for Halloween to a Pot of Gold for St. Patrick’s Day.

Fun Friday – Another free prize your students can earn each week is Fun Friday. If students meet their class goal for behavior, you can save the last 20 minutes of class as their Fun Friday time. Students will be able to play educational board games, centers, iPad apps and more!

Parent Communication

Parent communication is an important piece of your classroom management strategy. Enlist parents’ assistance by keeping them informed of their child’s behavior, both positive and negative.

Positive Notes Home – When a student does an exceptional job, make sure you send a positive note home. This will endear yourself to the child’s parents, letting them know that you love and care for their child. This will also make it easier to talk to the parents if you start to notice negative behavior.

Daily Folders – Use daily folders to communicate with parents. Each day, write a note to parents with the behaviors you’ve noticed, including both the good and the bad. Parents can also write back to you, keeping you informed of any personal issues that you should be aware of.

Thinking Sheet – When a student has displayed negative behavior multiple times, it’s time to do a little bit of thinking. Send home a thinking sheet with the student, giving them a chance to reflect on what went wrong for the day. This will also make the parents’ aware of any issues you’ve noticed.

A strong classroom management strategy is important for your students and for you, which is why this list of ideas is vital. Not only will classroom management help keep your students behaving, it will also keep them on-task and learning, a goal every teacher has!

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One of the best things you can do for your classroom is looking at classroom management examples that work. Here is a huge list of ideas – from real teachers!

As a teacher, you have your “own” way of doing things, from how you use visuals to how you set up your small groups. You and another teacher can teach the exact same skill, but your lesson will be unique and will reflect who you are as an educator. Your classroom management is the same. Even if you are inspired by classroom management examples that work for another teacher, you will take that idea and make it yours.

This year, while you’re evaluating your existing classroom management plan, you should take a look at what other teachers are doing. Use their successes as inspiration as you collect ideas and turn it into a classroom management plan that works for YOU.

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Tips from Actual Teachers

Classroom management is all about coming up with a plan and sticking to it. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll eventually have a classroom management plan that will work for you and your students. Here are some tips from actual teachers about what works in their classrooms – they are classroom management examples that WORK!

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Connect with Your Students

One of the most important classroom management examples that work is to connect with your students. In order to have a good classroom management strategy, you need to reach them on a one-on-one level. Once you make that connection, your students will be eager to please and will respect what you have to say. Here’s what teachers have to say about connecting with their students.

“I have a connection with my students. Once they see that you care, they are more anxious to please you.” – anonymous

My “best tip is creating rapport with students, without it, the other things won’t work as efficiently.” – anonymous 1st grade teacher

“Working hard to build relationships with students has by far been the most meaningful classroom management technique. Once I better understand my students, I have a glimpse into why they are behaving in a certain way and then can respond in a more personal and appropriate manner.” -2nd Grade Teacher

“Create a sense of community in the classroom. I love doing restorative circles, especially in the beginning of the year. This helps the kids get to know each other and find things they have in common. And of course, expectations must be clear and consistent.” – anonymous

“My management tip would be to be consistent and build a strong relationship with the students and their parents. I use Class Dojo to communicate with parents all the time. I believe one of the best ways to help your students is to let them know you are all working together to help them become the best ‘them’ they can be. It takes all of us working together. I work throughout the year to build a respectful relationship with my kids. They know I love them and will support them. They also know if they break a rule, then I must follow through with a consequence. I praise them a lot but they also need to know there is a line. To me classroom management isn’t about your system, it is about your relationships.” -Davita Fortier, 1st Grade Teacher

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Adjust For Each Class

You might have a strong classroom management plan you’ve used in the past, but unfortunately, sometimes the best-laid plans fall apart. That’s why there are classroom management examples that work such as this and help you adjust for each class. Each class is unique, which means that your classroom management plan might change. Talk to the teachers a grade below you and see what worked for them. Make adjustments to your plan accordingly. As long as you have a strong foundation, you can always make a change based on the information you learn. These teachers have advice on adjusting your classroom management technique for each class.

“Every class is unique in their needs. Find your baseline needs as a teacher then work with the needs in front of you to develop classroom strategies that best suit THEIR needs.” – anonymous

“Not every strategy is going to work for every kid, meet their needs and find strategies that work for your kids. Be flexible! Preparation is your best friend.” – anonymous

“My best tip (as I’m still pretty new and learning!) is to remember that each year your class will have different needs and what worked like a charm one year might need to be tweaked to fit your new group. Don’t get discouraged and stay consistent with whatever you use!” – anonymous

“You have to be flexible and it completely depends on your class/students. I have a number of standard rules/techniques I use but am willing to research/implement a specific chart/strategy per student if necessary. What works one year may not another etc.” – anonymous

“Adjust your management to the group of students you have.” – anonymous

“You have to be flexible and it completely depends on your class/students. I have a number of standard rules/techniques I use but am willing to research/implement a specific chart/strategy per student if necessary. What works one year may not another etc.” – anonymous

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Start with Expectations

On that first day of school, start your year off strong by going over your expectations. Your students need to know what you expect from them in order for them to meet those expectations. Check out what these actual teachers have learned about classroom expectations.

“Be specific in your expectations and be firm. ‘Say what you mean and mean what you say’ when it comes to consequences.” – anonymous

“Set expectations and stick to them: know actually what you expect to see from your students and require them to meet those expectations. If it is not met, pause and reset (teach models or restates what the expectation is and the students practice it). We also have discussions about what we did well and what went wrong at the end of day in the first 30 days of school. This is a great way to reteach those procedures or rules the students didn’t execute well throughout the day.” – anonymous

“Clear expectations, procedures and rules. Modeling what is expected is key as well.” – anonymous

“Clear expectations is the best way for students to know what to expect and what the consequences are. Communication with students and with parents is essential too.” -Carrie, K-12 Special Ed

“My best classroom management tip is to ensure the students know what you expect, especially in the early grades. I teach Kindergarten and I have found out (usually the hard way) that if I do not teach my students exactly what I expect such as routines, procedures, voice level, etc. then they will make up their own. Also, I know it may sound silly to teach children HOW to stand in a line, but if we don’t teach them, how will they know? I firmly believe that routines and procedures that are taught explicitly and with fidelity are some of the best classroom management techniques.” – anonymous

“Set up the routine and expectations the first week of school and model, practice, model, practice and practice some more. Be consistent and review expectations whenever necessary, especially Monday mornings, after breaks, etc.” -Trish Decker, 3rd grade

“Knowing your expectations. Have a specific routine and decision about everything from lining up to sharpening pencils. Know what you expect and teach every little detail.” – anonymous

“Teach all procedures and expectations immediately at the beginning of the year (I start on the first day!), and continue to add to and reteach and monitor those procedures and expectations throughout the school year.” – anonymous

“I teach K. My best management tip is to be consistent and train your students about your expectations. Teach them how to use your materials, how to put them away, and how it should look when they sit at the carpet, line up, sit at the tables, etc. You must teach them your expectations if you want to see that behavior in class. They are not mind-readers and they won’t just “know it”. Practice, practice, practice. Practice again after any long break.” – anonymous Kindergarten teacher

“Discuss with students what expectations are and why we have rules with demonstrations (I always act out the negative, because I don’t want them to practice a way that is not what I want- that way I can also go overboard and they really get the point). Positively reinforce a ton at beginning and don’t be afraid to review any time the class seems to need it.” – anonymous

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Teach & Reteach

You can expect to teach and reteach your expectations to your students. This is one of the more well-known classroom management examples that work. It is not a one-and-done process. Your students will need to practice and be reminded of your classroom rules. These teachers remind you not to feel discouraged if you have to reteach your class your expectations.

“Don’t be afraid to reteach anything. Think of it as muscle memory.” – anonymous

“Be proactive – Lots of step by step reminders for each procedure, and allow children to start over to correct their mistakes.” -1st Grade Teacher

“Take the time to teach what you expect initially and aim for exactly what you expect. Practice, retract, practice, reteach!” – anonymous

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Keep Them Engaged

Student engagement is key to your classroom management plan. Engagement is so important in the list of classroom management examples that work. When students are engaged and learning, they’re less likely to be disruptive or to act out. If you notice students are getting antsy, then use a brain break to keep them engaged! Here are some ideas on student engagement from actual teachers.

“Use cooperative learning strategies that get all of your students talking. Kids who don’t raise their hands to answer questions still have something to say. Give them the chance to tell their neighbor/partner! My favorites are the Kagan strategies of Think/Pair/Share and Inside-Outside Circle. Keep at it and vary the strategies. Your students will be involved in the lesson, they will be more likely to stay on task, and they will be happier! (So will you!)” -Sarah Shobe, 1st Grade

“The best classroom management tools is engagement. When students are busy learning and playing, they have less time to misbehave. This obviously does not stop all behavior problems, but it does make classroom management much easier.” -Jen, Kindergarten

“Stay positive, and keep them engaged with the management program you use! When they buy into it, their behavior is better, which is good for your sanity ;).” -Stephanie E, 1st grade

“Using lots of brain breaks when the kids are getting restless or losing their focus.” – anonymous

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Reward Positive Behavior

If you notice individual students, small groups, or your whole class following your expectations and completing work, you need to recognize it! Rewarding positive behavior promotes the behavior you want your class to display, rather than constantly pointing out negative behavior. Not only will this have a positive effect on class morale, it will also make your life so much easier. Plus ask any teacher their top choices for classroom management examples that work, and you’ll hear this as their response. Here are some teacher tips on rewarding positive behavior.

“Remember not to forget about the kids who are always making good choices and working hard. Sometimes the kids with the bad behavior get all the attention and this is exactly what they want but we can forget the hard-working, quiet achievers who just keep going smiling happily and soldiering on regardless.” – anonymous

“Blurt cubes – 5 cubes with the letters b,l,u,r,t on them and when a student blurts out in class, they get a signal from the teacher and have to turn one letter. If the student has letters left over they get a reward. This is easy to back off when the blurting reduces. Start with a reward with if they have ANY letters left, then eventually if they lose even 1 letter, they do not get a reward.” – anonymous

“I have found that random recognition with something as simple as a sticker has helped with behavior in the classroom when there are challenges. Recognizing the expected behavior helps keep a positive atmosphere not only for my students but myself as well.” –Cindy, a Kindergarten teacher

“Brag tags are amazing. I love focusing on the positive and having my kids verbalize why they are earning them.” -Lauren

“Behavior Clip Chart- Every month students earn a “Gem” to place on their clip if they have got 13 or more “purples” for the month. Purple is the TOP of the behavior chart. Kindergarten students respond well to this visual representation of their behavior and parents appreciate the color chart coming home at the end of each day.” – anonymous

“I post super large googly eyes with the words Eyes on You. I then have a baby food jar full on eyeballs and at random times of the day, I place the jar on the table that is following directions the best. At the end of the day, the table with them is the winner and gets a leader slip and takes it to the office. I have a first-grade classroom.” – anonymous

“I have been teaching for 15 years…grades 2,3 and 4. By far, positive reinforcement has gotten more results than anything else! Also, rewards do not always have to cost you money!” – anonymous

Classroom Management Examples that Work: Be Consistent

Once you’ve come up with a classroom management plan, it’s important to be consistent. This is one of the top classroom management examples that work. Your students need to know what to expect from you, and consistency will give them that security. These teachers agree that consistency is in the list of classroom management examples that work.

“My best tip is to be consistent with your system of classroom management.” – anonymous

“Consistency is the key. Go over the rules at the beginning of the year – review frequently. Start out stern/strict! You can always loosen up as the year progresses, but you cannot go backward! Follow through – students realize meaningless “threats” very quickly!” -Deborah O’Shea, 4th Grade

“Consistency, especially in the beginning of the year. I teach kindergarten and expectations are practiced, practiced and practiced again. Each time I make sure it is exactly how it should be and if it’s not, we practice again. I try to always leave time so we are not rushing especially for clean up and transitions. If the expectations are all materials need to be cleaned up and put away, voice level at zero and hands on head to get called to line up, I make sure that it is that way every time. Consistency is key.” – anonymous

“Be consistent! Do things the same every time–don’t let something go once if you’re trying to make sure the kids do it. Once you let it get by once, you’ve lost your credibility with the kids.” -Melinda Goodwin, K/1

“Remain consistent – students thrive when they know what the expectations are. Provide models for expected behavior – when students know what it “looks like” to display a specific characteristic, they will be more successful in doing so.” – anonymous

Your classroom management technique has the power to make your year easier or harder. When you have a strong classroom management plan that works for both you and your students, you’ll notice that it’s easier to teach kids what they need to learn.

Which of these real-teacher classroom management examples that work for you? Which ones are you already using and which ones would you like to implement?

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